IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary
redundant
adjective/rɪˈdʌndənt/Band 8
Last updated 21 July 2026
In short
“redundant” is a Band 8 adjective that means no longer needed or useful; (of a worker) no longer employed because the job is unnecessary. Below you'll find its pronunciation, natural example sentences, synonyms and antonyms, and the collocations that help you use it accurately in the IELTS Speaking test.
Meaning
No longer needed or useful; (of a worker) no longer employed because the job is unnecessary.
Example sentences
Natural, spoken examples at the level an examiner rewards.
- “New technology made several roles redundant.”
- “Hundreds of workers were made redundant after the merger.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
unnecessarysuperfluoussurplus
Antonyms
essentialnecessary
Collocations & common phrases
Word partners that make your usage sound natural — the difference between knowing a word and using it well.
Collocations
make redundantbecome redundantredundant workers
Common phrases
made redundant
Related words
Explore more vocabulary
Frequently asked questions
What does “redundant” mean?
No longer needed or useful; (of a worker) no longer employed because the job is unnecessary.
How do you use “redundant” in a sentence?
For example: “New technology made several roles redundant.”
What are some synonyms for “redundant”?
Synonyms include unnecessary, superfluous, surplus.
Is “redundant” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 8 vocabulary, and collocations such as make redundant, become redundant, redundant workers help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.
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